Divya Mehta is using her research into mental health to improve people’s wellbeing and advocate for the next generation of STEM leaders.
So what drives the award-winning geneticist and biostatistician, who is achieving significant work in advancing our understanding of the genetic and environmental factors driving our response to stress?
We put a number of questions to Mehta, as the latest STEM Changemaker to answer our Q&A, in line with,The STEM Wrap, our newsletter on women in STEM. (Subscribe to The STEM Wrap here.)
But first, a little more on Mehta and her impressive career that’s included 25 research awards/prizes in recognition of her genetics research in mental health and psychiatry, as well as $4 million in research funding, and wide media coverage including in TIME magazine.
Born in India, Mehta became fascinated with biology in school and followed her dream to study and work in genetics through highly competitive scholarships in the UK, Germany and Australia.
She is now leading as an Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow leading the Stress Genomics Group at Queensland University of Technology.
Her research identifying stress-response genes has been implemented internationally in five patents and six public policies and will contribute to the development of biomarkers, targeted prevention strategies and novel treatments for stress-related disorders.
With an excellent record in statistical genetics, including over 80 publications and more than 9,000 citations in high-ranking journals, Mehta’s also on the editorial board of international Brain Behaviour and Immunity, the Journal of Psychiatric Research and is an external expert reviewer for more than 15 international journals including Nature, JAMA Psychiatry and Nature Communications.
Mehta uses these platforms to actively advocate for STEM in schools, rural communities, parliamentary forums, public events and media.
In one sentence, how do you describe what you do?
I analyse big data to better understand how our genes and environment affect our mental health.
Is this the career you always imagined, or did a key turning point that put you on the path to doing the work that you’re doing today?
Growing up in India, I have always been fascinated by biology in school and had an excellent and encouraging biology teacher. I did have a chance to start a career in Medicine but due to several circumstances, this did not happen and instead I took up a scholarship to work in the area of genetics.
At first I was heartbroken, thinking that Medicine was the only way for me to help others and save lives. Soon I realised that through my research in genetics of mental health disorders, I could still fulfil my dream to play an important role in the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.
What drives the hard work that you do: your passion, your desire to be an instigator of change etc?
My passion and love for what I do drives me to work hard every day. Watching my young daughter grow and already be curious about science is exciting. I have been fortunate to have a supportive and solid research foundation thanks to my family, friends and mentors and I want to pass that baton on and be an advocate and mentor for the next generation of STEM leaders.
Is there anything specific you can point to that has been pivotal in supporting your STEM career?
I have had strong female role models both in my personal and professional life. Watching these women work hard and strive at everything they do, yet, balance work and family life so well has truly been an inspiration for me. This makes me believe that I can do anything if I am truly passionate about it.
What more needs to or can be done to support more women in STEM?
It is important to realise and appreciate that often women have had a different journey to get to where they are today and need to work much harder to climb up the ladder, whilst balancing other commitments. Women need to be supported and encouraged to continue pursuing their careers in STEM, be it through specialised training and mentoring, ensuring key leadership roles and maintaining a gender balance in academic positions when possible.
Is there a key tip you can share for other women in STEM?
The key in life is to pursue your passion, work hard and find a supportive network of people to journey with.